Author Jeff Atwood shares the real-life, hard-won lessons he's learned through the years, the kind of guidance he wishes someone would have given him as he entered the adult world.

Those seeking direction for their next phase of life will appreciate these helpful insights, including:

• Do what brings you joy. Not what brings your parents joy or pays well or looks impressive. Find the thing that brings you joy, and everything else will likely take care of itself.
• You are not the sum of "likes" or "friends" or any other social media affirmation. Don't let people you don't know define or shape your value.
• You were made to do great things that only you can do. We need you to do them.